England seized the initiative on Day 2 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, reaching a commanding 225/ 2 at stumps in response to India’s first-innings total of 358. Despite a courageous half-century from the injured Rishabh Pant, the hosts ended the day with momentum firmly in their favour.
Resuming on 264/ 4, India added 94 more runs before being bowled out shortly after tea. The highlight of the innings was Pant’s valiant return to the crease. Having retired hurt on the opening day due to a foot injury, the wicketkeeper-batter battled visible discomfort to compile a gutsy half-century, holding the innings together during a tricky phase. His effort drew a heartfelt standing ovation from the appreciative Manchester crowd.
Contributions from Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar helped India push past the 350-mark, giving them a respectable total on what has proven to be a batting-friendly surface.
England’s response was clinical. Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett laid a solid foundation with a 166-run stand that took the sting out of the Indian attack. Crawley played fluently for his 84 before edging one behind, while Duckett was unfortunate to fall just six short of a well-deserved century, dismissed for 94.
By the close of play, England trailed by just 133 runs with eight wickets in hand. Joe Root and Ollie Pope looked assured at the crease and will look to press home the advantage on Day 3 as England eye a first-innings lead.
With the Old Trafford pitch still offering little assistance to the bowlers, India will need early breakthroughs in the morning session if they are to claw their way back into the contest.
